Q How can I keep the twist in a twisted necklace?
A I have received this question more than once, and I had to play around with the idea for a while. I have decided that the easiest way to keep a twist is to work with wire instead of flexible beading wire.
Multiple strands hold their shape when wire is the stringing material used.
After many failed attempts and some lame outcomes, I decided that there is a reason I don't do much stringing. But, since I won't let those beads beat me, I switched from flexible beading wire to 24-gauge silver wire. I wrapped the ends of two wires around a fun manufactured spiraling wire necklace, which I had strung size 8 cylinder beads onto. After I secured the wire ends to the necklace, I strung two different styles of beads on the wires. I twisted the 24-gauge wires together (you can change how defined the twist is by making a few or many twists in the wire), and then wrapped them around the necklace. If you cannot find a premade necklace, make one using 18-gauge wire coiled loosely around a dowel. You can make a tighter spiral by using a smaller dowel, or a larger spiral by using a larger dowel. A plain loop on each end will provide a place to attach a clasp.
Use a variety of bead sizes and styles to create an interesting look.
I also made a bracelet by using 22-gauge wire. I simply made a plain loop on the ends of two pieces of wire, strung my desired beads, twisted the wires together, and made a plain loop on the other ends of the wires. I attached a clasp to the loops on both ends of the wires with jump rings. This technique would also work well for a necklace as well, or for a piece with more than two strands. In any case, this was a fun project that resulted in two cool pieces.
If anyone has any tips for twisted necklaces or bracelets, I am all ears!
Anna Elizabeth Draeger
Associate Editor
Bead&Button magazine